Robert J. Leak, 86, of Newburyport,  passed away Sunday, June 30, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Oak Park, Illinois, May 30, 1933, the son of Bernard and Marian Carrier Leak. In 1958 he married Gretchen C. Baker of Toledo, Ohio. They lived in Wappingers Falls for over 50 years. Mr. Leak is predeceased by his wife who died July 12, 2010 after 52 years of marriage. 

Mr. Leak was employed as a chemist for Texaco Research Center in Glenham in 1958 and later in his career worked at the Texaco Global Headquarters in Harrison, retiring in 1991. He was the lead scientist for numerous inventions for which patents were granted. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church serving in the choir, as a lector and a Eucharistic minister.

In retirement, he and his wife established the Red Barn Farm at Bowdoin County Park and taught many young people how to care for animals. He also tutored students in math and science. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mr. Leak was a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, and he received his PhD in chemistry from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he and his future wife were students.

He is survived by his children, Kevin Leak(Maureen) of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, David Leak(Karen) of Andover, New Hampshire, Catherine Leak of Poughkeepsie, Elizabeth Dierze(Paul) of Topsfield, Massachusetts., Thomas Leak(Dr. Rehana Khan) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Theresa Leak Gonzalez(Sergio) of Newburyport, Massachusetts., grandchildren, Bridget(Trey), Michael(Heather), Colin, Gregory, Bethany, Rebecca, Victoria, Deborah, Brian, Timothy, Kaitlin, Lillian, Celeste, Sebastian and Nicholas, and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Natalie, Emily, and Sarah.

Funeral arrangements were held at the Delehanty Funeral Home 64 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls and a Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Mary’s Church, Clinton St., Wappingers Falls. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to Catholic Charities. To send a condolence or for directions, visit www.delehantyfuneral.com.

Published in the Poughkeepsie Journal on July 5, 2019